The recent British Chambers of Commerce conference revealed complaints about skills, transport, finance and a surfeit of red tape.

Business Secretary Vince Cable heard that employment legislation, often from the European Union but gold-plated in the UK, was among the most damaging.

Businesses want a return to the two-year qualifying period before employees gain employment rights, which the Government is considering.

Chancellor George Osborne talked about focusing help on advanced manufacturing, tourism and life sciences.

His plans to set corporation tax at the lowest level in the G20 countries and to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business were well-received.

The banks were given another kicking for their centralised, slow decision-making and for staff who don’t understand business.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles was questioned about Local Enterprise Partnerships.

He expressed frustration at being asked to provide a blueprint for setting priorities after allowing local economic areas to propose their own.

There was no promise of resources, but Mr Pickles challenged businesses to drive the LEPs and to produce plans to take the economy forward, rather than leaving decision-making to local authorities.